What a “Double Room” Really Means in Ireland (and How to Book the Right Bed)
When planning a trip to Ireland, accommodation details matter—and one common source of confusion is hotel room descriptions that don't actually match the bed size. While the terms may sound familiar, what you get can be very different from what you're expecting.
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In North America, we know our twin, full, queen, and king beds. But in Ireland, those labels change a bit: a single equals a twin, a double matches a full, a king is often closer to a queen, and a super king- well, in the US we might call that a ‘California King'.
Why a Double Room Doesn't Always = a Double Bed
The real trouble starts when hotels use the word “double.” In Ireland, “double room” might describe a room for two people, not necessarily a room with a double bed. You might find yourself with anything from a full-sized mattress to a king, or even two twins pushed together.
A few examples from real hotels:
- Castle Hotel Dublin: Their “double” room includes a double bed (full size), which is what you may expect, based on the room name.
- Butler House Kilkenny: “Double” here can mean a king or queen bed, so reading the full room description is key.
- Morgan Hotel Dublin: Rooms are named things like “Signature” and “Deluxe,” so you’ll need to dig into the details to see if you’re getting a king, two twins, or a mix.
Moral of the story? Always check the room description and photos before you book. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to email the hotel directly to confirm bed size.
Traveling in Ireland podcast episode 275
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